The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1887-07-15
Ely.
Deferred Items.l

| One or the most enJOVuDlc FOurtn VI
July celebrations ever held in this vi.
cinity, it was our pleasure to attend
this week in the Maple grove situated
on the line betweed Strafi0rd and Ver'
shire, near w. g. Gilman's. On our
arrival at the grove we were agreeably
surprised to note the artistic and con.
yenient arrangements made by the of.
ficials for the pleasure and comfort OF
guests. Before us doomed up two
large swings, q stand for speakers and
the numerous exercises of the day, O
table one hundred and fifty feet long
was nicely arranged and temptingly
arrayed with choice viands, free lem
onade, coffee. etc. Strafford cornet
band arrived at 1880 q. M, under the
personal direction Of Mr.. Moore, the
worthy and able teacher, were met at
the entrance by w. G. Gilman, on his
beautiful bay horse and marshalled on
the grounds, in direct line were dis
trict schools Nos. and 8 (South Ver-
shire) accompanied by their respect
i've teachers, Ella Rowe and Cora
Beckwith. Their banners were artis-
tic and pretty. President E. Harris,
called to order, prayer by our worthy
Elder Beckwith, followed by an able
address Of welcome by Eugene Harris,
music by quartette from South Yer.
shire, Kate Godfrey presiding at the
organ. The music rendered., deserves
notice and was not the least of the at
fractions. Favorable comments and
hearty encore greeted the closing
words of Cali Hail the Land" piece
spoken by w. G. Gilman's Four chill.
dren. Then followed exercises in which
the children Of nearly every family in
the nelghborhood took active part, re-
fecting credit upon parents and teach
ers. Original poem composed for the
occasion was given us by Walter Haz-
eltine. Defamation by Fred Avery.
four young ladies from South Yer
shire rendered Independence Bell"
worthy of notice, also single speaking
by Misses Beckwith and Kendall. The
"tri-color" by young ladies from Dist.
No. 4, and in fact it is hardly fair to
select, so clearly and equally were the
speakers matched. Frequent vocal
music soothed all lovers Of that divine
art. After refreshing the inner man.
we listened to short addresses by Revs.
o. Beckwith and J. Waldren, Major
Smith. We were then escorted to
Gilman hall where a sweeping view Of
New England greeted the eyes Of those
who, love grand views. Over our
heads waved the grand old stars and
stBipss set~ our Cn3elbs The stsEai
greased pole which was made to un-
successfully cope, with the endeavors
of one Henry Rogers, who heroically
reached the highest point, winning a
prize. Sack races, etc., followed.
Among the guests from abroad were
Mr.. Barrett of Cleveland, Ohio, Mr..
Tyson and family of Baltimore, Mr..
Moore from Mass, we'll known lit
erary man, and many we understand
from various parts of the West AMI
other places. There is estimated, as a
about six hundred hearts who
are glad they decided to attend this
picnic and went home satisfied, patri-
otto and grateful j. F. johnson
remains dangerously ill. Many are
the hopes for her recovery from her
large circle of friends.-Chas. Moore
IF Hudson, Mass, was guest at j. f.
Johnson's over the Fourth. Mr..
Moore and Miss johnson are associated
through literary endeavors and aspire
% make a book.